Krista Conway
The number of jobs created by the social media phenomenon is growing every day. The first time interviewed for a social media job was in 2006! Every major corporation has at least one (and often a team) social media managers monitoring, planning and preparing their social media campaigns every day. Actually, it goes back to the days of MySpace. Yes, I use to manage accounts there too.
During a flight to LA last year I bumped into this SMM. She was also on her way to meet up with a social media client. She was a freelancer too.
If you are reading this blog you probably hoped to find out if people like YOU can make a living managing social media accounts, from home … in your jammies.
The answer to THAT question is also “yes.”
There are actually thousands of us dutifully managing our clients social media account via various Apple products from the porch swings, park benches and airports of America.
Years ago, anyone with a Facebook or Twitter account could say they could manage a social media campaign. I have watched many, many try. While it is cool that you can say that you get paid to manage social media accounts, or “Paid to play on Facebook” as I have heard so many say, the job isn’t something for everyone. Just as you wouldn’t expect to apply for a marketing job at Victoria’s Secret and actually land the gig with a high school education, you can’t expect to land a social media job with your good looks. SMMs in today’s world are highly valuable and companies are choosey when it comes to hiring. But, once you’ve had a successful run at social media, you’re valuable and desirable to those companies which are looking.
If you’re considering looking into a social media gig, you should first ask yourself if you’re a good candidate. Here’s some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you have a marketing foundation, degree or experience?
- Do you understand Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube fully, including TOS (Terms of Service) and what brands can and cannot do?
- Have you ever been on a Twitter party or three?
- Are you comfortable with tools of the trade? (iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, portable wi-fi, etc)
- Are you willing and able to keep up with the changing atmosphere of social (if you are a SMM and didn’t see Pinterest coming until last month …. ouch!) media?
My client Alisa with her friends Liza Druxman (Stroller Strides) and Kim Wall (Episencial) at an event in LA last year. I actually snapped this photo with my iPad and it has went viral.
I want you to ask yourself these questions and be completely honest with yourself. ALL of the items listed above can be changed with time. If you are hoping or wanting to enter the freelance social media world, there is no time like the present to start working on building your resume. Take some classes, become familiar with TOS, attend every Twitter party that interests you, network with other SMMs (try Meetup.com for local gatherings).
